PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Public Health Department is urging those in flooded areas to take precautions.
Among them:
■ Wells may become contaminated and household water may be unsafe to drink. Drink bottled water instead.
■ Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with floodwaters. Septic systems may be flooded and adding pathogens to pollutants picked up by rising rivers and streams.
■ Do not use your septic system when water is standing on the ground around it. The ground below will not absorb water from sinks or toilets.
Even after floodwaters recede, caution is advised, said Michael Dawson, Jefferson County Water Quality lead.
“Saturated soils on steep slopes can result in landslides. Roads and buildings may be unstable. Falling trees and downed power lines are a possibility,” he said.
If your well is flooded, assume the water in your home is contaminated, he said.
If you are on a public water supply, contact your purveyor if you have concerns about the safety of your tap water or call Jefferson County Public Health.
To treat drinking water that is potentially contaminated with viruses or bacteria, boiling or purifying with bleach is recommended.
Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute or add one-fourth of a teaspoon of chlorine bleach per gallon of clear water. Filter cloudy water before adding bleach.
More detailed recommendations for treating drinking water for emergency use are available at http://tinyurl.com/PDN-doh-waterquality.
Flood safety information is at http://tinyurl.com/PDN-dohfloodsafety.
For more information, contact Jefferson County Public Health-Water Quality at 360-385-9444. After business hours, call 360-385-9400 and select option 3.
